INCLUSÃO SOCIOAMBIENTAL EM ÁREAS DE PROTEÇÃO

UM ESTUDO DE CASO DO PARQUE FERNÃO DIAS

Abstract

This article discusses the importance of Environmental Protection Areas (APAs) in the environmental management of territories, focusing on the Fernão Dias APA located in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte. The research aimed to highlight the benefits of applying environmental education and developing actions to enhance the sustainable use of the APA by involving the community in park activities. Methodological procedures involved a local diagnosis and the development of strategies based on this diagnosis. The diagnosis was conducted through park visits, study area analysis, and the use of a checklist to describe the landscape and environmental perception. Results indicated that the Fernão Dias APA has great potential for use and increased public participation in activities. However, obstacles such as the presence of hills that hinder access, frequent invasions, and exotic species occupying the space were identified. Therefore, mitigating and improvement measures were proposed, including educational programs, environmental education, partnerships with local producers, cultural and artistic events, interpretive trails, informative signs, volunteering, and conservation actions.

Keywords: Conservation Units; Environmental Education; Sustainable Development.